Title: Tangible and intangible internationalisation of SMEs: the Argentinean case

Authors: Christian Keen

Addresses: Universidad ORT Uruguay, Bvar España 2633, Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract: This study reviews the concepts of tangible and intangible internationalisation using a data from Argentinean SMEs. The findings suggest that managers may have to make a strategic commitment to upgrade and expand firms' resources and capabilities to achieve long term internationalisation. The results offer evidence of the importance and potential risks of participating in a network that can provide access to scarce resources in an environment where public institutions may not offer an appropriate level of assistance to SMEs. This research also contributes to the study of internationalisation of SMEs as it further expands the concept of internationalisation by including a long-term perspective where the company can be international without having a physical presence in a foreign market.

Keywords: SMEs; tangible internationalisation; intangible internationalisation; emerging economies; networks; Argentina; small and medium-sized enterprises; foreign markets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2013.055310

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2013 Vol.19 No.3, pp.399 - 420

Published online: 30 Sep 2013 *

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